Struggling to get out of the drop zone, Mauricio Pellegrino’s Southampton have a chance to impress their fans this weekend as they are in action in the 4th round of the FA Cup. The Saints have drawn their last two league games, after beating Fulham in the previous round of the cup competition, but face a tricky test against Watford, who they face for the second time in two weeks.
The Hornets beat Bristol City to set up this clash but are fresh from a loss to Leicester City. Javi Garcia will have his chance at proving something but the Saints, playing at home, will look to get the job done in this tie. Here is the predicted lineup Pellegrino might field for this game:
Team News:
Charlie Austin remains the only long-term absentee for the manager, who has both Maya Yoshida and Shane Long returning from injury. Full-backs Ryan Bertrand and Sam McQueen are both doubtful for this game, struggling with illnesses.
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1):
Fraser Forster seems to have lost his place in the first team under Pellegrino and has been dropped in the last few games. Alex McCarthy has not done much wrong under the bar and could start yet again, against Watford. Wesley Hoedt has been decent at the back for his side and could be rested, giving Maya Yoshida, who is just back from an injury and Jack Stephens a chance to start this game as the centre-backs.
Jan Bednarek put in a decent shift at right-back against Fulham but could be shifted to left-back in this game, in the absence of Bertrand and McQueen while Jeremy Pied will get his chance to impress at right-back.
Midfield:
Oriol Romeu is integral to the system Pellegrino uses at Southampton and the midfield should start this game against Watford alongside Pierre Emile Hojbjerg, who put in a decent shift the last time Southampton faced Watford.
Attack:
Manolo Gabbiadini has also lost his first-team spot in recent games but this FA Cup tie should give him a chance to get some of his form back. He should lead the attack for his side, with Nathan Redmond starting on the left wing and Sofiane Boufal starting on the other flank.
Both players have not been able to show any consistency and will not have it easy against a well drilled Watford defence. Dusan Tadic adds a bit of balance to the Southampton attack and he should start in a no.10 role, giving the Watford defence a tough time.
Here is how they might line up:
